Introduction: The Centrality of Scripture in the Reformed Tradition
For the Reformed church, Scripture is the foundation of faith and life. The doctrine of sola Scriptura—Scripture alone—is not merely a theological slogan but the bedrock principle that governs how believers understand God’s revelation, salvation, and will for His people. To affirm sola Scriptura, however, one must also affirm that the Scriptures have been faithfully preserved. If the church does not possess the Word of God in its authentic form, the authority of Scripture collapses, and with it, the foundation of the Christian faith.
It is in this context that Confessional Bibliology arises. While the term itself is relatively modern, the principles it espouses are deeply rooted in the historic confessions of the Reformed faith. Confessional Bibliology seeks to uphold the doctrine of providential preservation, as articulated in confessions such as the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) and the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (LBCF). This framework is essential for affirming that God has preserved His Word in the original languages (the Hebrew Masoretic Text and the Greek Textus Receptus) and that this preserved text has been faithfully translated into languages accessible to His people.
This article, the first in a four-part series, will define Confessional Bibliology, explore its biblical foundations, and examine its theological importance. It aims to provide a robust and detailed introduction to a doctrine that is both historically grounded and urgently relevant for the church today.
Section 1: Defining Confessional Bibliology
Confessional Bibliology can be succinctly defined as the theological and historical framework that affirms the following principles:
- Scripture is Divinely Inspired: The Bible is the Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, infallible, and inerrant in its original form (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).
- Scripture is Providentially Preserved: God has preserved His Word through His providence, ensuring its purity and accessibility in the original languages throughout all ages.
- Scripture is Accessible and Authoritative: The authentic text of Scripture is not hidden or reconstructed through speculative methodologies but is found in the texts historically received and used by the church.
Confessional Bibliology and the Reformed Confessions
Confessional Bibliology derives its name and principles from the historic Reformed confessions. These documents articulate a high view of Scripture and affirm that God has preserved His Word:
- The Westminster Confession of Faith (1.8) states:
“The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which, at the time of the writing of it, was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and by His singular care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical.”
- The Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1.8) mirrors this language, underscoring the continuity of belief between the Presbyterian and Baptist traditions.
These statements affirm that the Scriptures, in their original languages, have been kept pure by God’s providence and are therefore the authentic Word of God. This doctrine of preservation stands in stark contrast to Modern Textual Criticism (MTC), which often views the biblical text as corrupted and in need of reconstruction.
Section 2: Biblical Foundations of Confessional Bibliology
The doctrine of providential preservation is not a theological invention; it is rooted in the testimony of Scripture itself. The Bible consistently affirms both its divine origin and its enduring nature.
2.1. The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture
The foundation of Confessional Bibliology lies in the doctrine of inspiration. The Bible declares that it is the very Word of God, given through the work of the Holy Spirit:
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
- 2 Peter 1:21: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
These passages establish that Scripture is divinely inspired, authoritative, and sufficient for equipping the believer for every good work. The authority of Scripture depends on its divine origin, and its inspiration necessitates its preservation.
2.2. The Promise of Preservation
Scripture also testifies to God’s promise to preserve His Word. Key passages include:
- Psalm 12:6-7: “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.”
- Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
- Matthew 5:18: “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
These verses affirm that God’s Word is enduring and unchanging. Its preservation is not the result of human effort but of divine providence.
2.3. The Accessibility of Scripture
The Bible also emphasizes the accessibility of God’s Word:
- Deuteronomy 30:14: “But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.”
- Romans 15:4: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
These passages highlight that God’s Word is not hidden or inaccessible but has been preserved and transmitted for the benefit of His people.
Section 3: The Theological Necessity of Confessional Bibliology
Confessional Bibliology is not merely an academic or historical framework; it is a theological necessity for upholding the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.
3.1. The Relationship Between Inspiration and Preservation
The doctrine of inspiration demands the doctrine of preservation. If God inspired the Scriptures but did not preserve them, His purpose in revealing His Word would be undermined. Confessional Bibliology affirms that God’s providence ensures the integrity of the inspired text, enabling it to fulfill its purpose of equipping the church.
3.2. The Role of the Church in Preservation
While preservation is ultimately a work of God, the church has been entrusted with the stewardship of His Word. This stewardship is evident in the historical use of the Masoretic Text (MT) for the Old Testament and the Textus Receptus (TR) for the New Testament. These texts have been recognized and received by the church as the authentic Word of God.
3.3. The Danger of Modern Textual Criticism
Modern Textual Criticism (MTC), with its naturalistic assumptions and eclectic methodologies, often undermines the church’s confidence in the Bible. By prioritizing older manuscripts over the historically received text, MTC introduces uncertainty and skepticism about the reliability of Scripture. Confessional Bibliology provides a necessary corrective by affirming that God’s Word has been preserved in the texts used and recognized by the church throughout history.
Section 4: The Practical Importance of Confessional Bibliology
The practical relevance of Confessional Bibliology is evident in its ability to provide assurance and confidence to believers.
4.1. Confidence in the Scriptures
Confessional Bibliology affirms that the Bible we hold today is the Word of God, faithfully preserved and transmitted. This confidence enables believers to trust Scripture as the foundation of their faith and practice.
4.2. Defense Against Skepticism
In a world where skepticism about the Bible is widespread, Confessional Bibliology provides a robust response. By grounding the doctrine of preservation in Scripture and the historic confessions, it offers a clear and compelling case for the reliability and authority of God’s Word.
4.3. Equipping the Church
Finally, Confessional Bibliology equips the church to uphold and defend the Scriptures against the challenges of modern skepticism. It calls pastors, theologians, and lay Christians to reaffirm the doctrine of preservation and to stand firm in the confidence that God’s Word has been kept pure in all ages.
Conclusion: Reclaiming the Doctrine of Preservation
Confessional Bibliology is not a novel invention but a return to the historic Reformed understanding of Scripture. It affirms that the Bible is divinely inspired, providentially preserved, and accessible to the church in every generation. This doctrine is essential for maintaining the authority, sufficiency, and reliability of God’s Word.
This first article has introduced the principles and foundations of Confessional Bibliology. In the next article, we will explore its historical development, tracing its roots in the Reformation and its continuity through the post-Reformation era. Through this exploration, we will see how the doctrine of preservation has sustained the church and upheld the integrity of God’s Word.
